Attend the Tale

Chapter 6

Merlon, sitting at the heart of the town, found himself surrounded by a crowd eager to witness the trial of a young boy, barely eight years old. Despite lacking any magical abilities, whispers circulated that he had distant ties to the Tribe of Darkness. Fearing the potential threat, Merlon decided it was best to send him away. After all, it was up to him to keep Flipside and Flopside safe. He didn't want the Tribe of Darkness to rise up with their evil, dark magic. He didn't want to deal with another war. 

The young boy's cries echoed through the air as he was forcefully torn away from his loving adoptive parents, disappearing forever. The onlookers disbanded and Merlon dusted himself off before making his way back to Flipside Tower. His pace quickened slightly, fueled by a sense of urgency. Today held great significance for him, as he had thrilling news to share with Olivia and Olly.

As Merlon returned to his residence, he retrieved his own set of keys and unlocked the door to Olly and Olivia's room. Upon his entrance, both young adults instinctively flinched, though they concealed their fearful expressions.

"My children," Merlon beamed with a smile. "I've got some fantastic news to share with both of you!"

"You're going to let us explore town?!" Olivia asked, her eyes lighting up.

Merlon shook his head and approached the young girl, taking both of her hands in his and grinning. 

"No, my sweet Olivia. Something better. I've just received word from neighboring kingdoms. By next Monday, the two of you will be sent off to two different kingdoms to marry their princes and princesses."

Olivia's smile quickly faded, replaced by a look of sheer horror. Olly, too, rose to his feet, his own shock mirroring Olivia's.

"WHAT?!" the young girl cried out, her voice filled with anguish and desperation. "NO! I-I don't want that! This can't be happening!"

"Oh, quit complaining," Merlon retorted dismissively. "Flipside is no longer safe. I've spoken to these rulers, and they've assured me of your security. You'll be closely monitored, with no chance for outsiders to intrude. You'll be provided for and protected from any harm. No more dealing with commoners or bothersome Bob-Ombs. It'll be a flawless haven, I promise."

"You're separating us?" Olly questioned, his voice softer. 

Merlon nodded eagerly, a wide grin spreading across his face, and urged them to start packing. Before Olivia and Olly could utter another word, he swiftly closed and locked the door, leaving them in stunned silence. The siblings exchanged horrified glances, frozen in place even after Merlon had disappeared from sight.

Married off on Monday to a complete stranger? Separated forever? Sent away to a castle where they'd never be allowed to leave? Olivia and Olly couldn't believe the harsh reality that awaited them. The thought of being forced into a marriage with someone they didn't know, never seeing each other again, and being confined to a castle, was overwhelming.

"I'd rather die," Olly whispered, sitting down on his bed and covering his face. "I'd rather die. I'd rather-"

"Shh, shh, brother," Olivia whispered, sitting next to him and hugging him tightly. "I... we'll figure something out. We won't let this happen."

"We have to!" Olly whispered harshly. "We can't defy Merlon's orders! Maybe we can find some poison. Maybe-"

"Listen!" Olivia begged. "Listen, please! We'll find a way to escape! To get away from him! Forever!"

"HOW?!" Olly cried out. 

"I don't know, but-"

Just then, there was the sound of clicking, and their door unlocked. Olivia and Olly both flinched, thinking that Merlon had somehow come back already.